Los Angeles Wildfires Rage On: Death Toll Rises to 16

Los Angeles, January 12, 2025:  At least 16 people have lost their lives as thousands of firefighters work tirelessly to contain spreading wildfires across Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the United States, local officials reported Saturday.

According to a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the death toll from the wildfires rose to 16 as of Saturday evening. Of the fatalities, 11 were linked to the Eaton Fire, while five were found in the Palisades Fire zone.

The devastating Eaton Fire, which ignited on Tuesday evening, has burned through 14,117 acres (57.1 square km) near Altadena and Pasadena, with only 15 percent containment as of Saturday afternoon.

The blaze continued to spread overnight, fueled by steep, rugged terrain and extremely dry vegetation, according to an update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Aerial assessments indicate that approximately 7,081 structures have been either damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire—the largest of at least five active wildfires in the Los Angeles area—has ravaged 22,660 acres (91.7 square km) and destroyed over 5,300 structures since it began on Tuesday. Efforts have so far contained 11 percent of this massive blaze.

“Firefighting operations are focused on strengthening containment lines while prioritizing public safety and protecting properties. North to northeast winds are expected to intensify this evening and overnight, further complicating efforts,” CAL FIRE said in its latest briefing.

Forecasters warn that moderate to strong Santa Ana winds, accompanied by warm and dry conditions, are expected to return on Tuesday and Wednesday, heightening fire risks.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Saturday that he is doubling the deployment of the California National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. A total of 1,680 Guardsmen are now active in the region, with additional public safety resources mobilized to combat the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported that approximately 20 percent of hydrants in the Palisades area experienced a loss of pressure during the week’s wildfires, according to the Los Angeles Times, the largest newspaper on the U.S. West Coast.

Earlier this week, firefighters encountered multiple fire hydrants with no water, drawing sharp criticism from local residents and officials alike.